A night of poetry and piano mesmerized the Jeddah crowd

Italian pianist Orazio Sciortio clanked the keys in gifted fashion at a Jeddah concert in his country's consulate.

It was a sheer magical evening at the Italian Consulate[2] when gifted Italian pianist Orazio Sciortio [3]set poetry in motion from the moment his nimble fingers descended on the keys. Just 29, Orazio, is already considered an icon among the new generation musicians from Italy, and this was evident from the standing ovation and cries for encore from the audience after every rendition.Orazio’s admirers say he is more than a pianist; he is a poet and a thinking soul, with a vast repertoire and command over composition which makes him an artist par excellence. Diego Roma, project manager, Translize, who is from Italy, told Arab News that despite his young age, Orazio has established himself as one of the most mature and highly skilled pianists in the contemporary music work.Says Quincy Russell from France: “One gets the impression that the keyboard smiles happily under his nimble fingers. The way his hands move... fingers racing on the piano, is like deer jumping around.”Consul General Simone Petroni, speaking to Arab News, said the concert was part of the initiative to deepen and strengthen relations between the two countries. “It was planned as a small gathering, but requests flooded us and we tried to accommodate all.”Petroni said the consulate was working on organizing three to four programs in future focusing on arts, design, and fashion. “Italy opened a window for its people to learn more about Saudi Arabia when it celebrated the 80th anniversary of Saudi-Italy diplomatic relations in a grand style in Rome,” he said. Orazio said he had always wanted to come to Saudi Arabia, because he was passionate about the Middle East. “Arab culture has had an impact on Sicily, and as a Sicilian, I have been interested in music from an early age, when I began playing guitar,” he said, adding that Arabic music was serious, and powerful, and Arabs love and appreciate music.He said he would like to establish a music school in Saudi Arabia where he could teach not just European but other genres as well. “Music is a universal language that has great potential to bring people together and promote international understanding,” he said. Sahar Abujadail, a Saudi, said it was the first time she attended a piano recital. “I am happy I did. It was amazing. I loved it,” she added.Elena Sobrino, a teacher from Spain, said she has attended operas in Spain and Italy, but this was the first time in Saudi Arabia, because has been in Jeddah only in the past four months ago. “I used to take piano classes when I was a kid, and am still a piano fan. Very soothing and enjoyable,” she said. Masako Naito, from Japan, who has been in the Kingdom for more than two years, and attends musical programs at European consulates, said it was “a once in a lifetime experience.”